Professor Rubinsztein, who is the ninth recipient of the annual award, was celebrated by the judging committee for the insights his work has provided into autophagy and its potential for impacting on neurodegenerative disorders. Autophagy is the process by which cells break down components that are no longer needed, so as to recycle their constituent parts.

Professor Rubinsztein is Professor of Molecular Neurogenetics at the University of Cambridge and Deputy Director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research.

Speaking to the University of Cambridge, Professor Rubinszstein said: “I am extremely grateful to the Roger de Spoelberch Foundation for this great honour. This award will provide tremendous encouragement and significant support for me and my lab’s future efforts. Of course, this prize is a sign of recognition for my coworkers in the lab over the years. I have been truly fortunate to have worked with wonderful people, who are excellent scientists and collaborators. I am very grateful to them for making the lab a place I look forward to coming to each day.”